Femtosecond lasers in ophthalmology.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an update and review of femtosecond (FS) lasers in clinical ophthalmology.


METHODS
Perspective, literature review, and commentary.


METHODS
Selected articles from the literature and the authors' clinical and laboratory studies.


RESULTS
The FS laser employs near-infrared pulses to cut tissue with minimal collateral tissue damage. Although its major use at present is in the cutting of laser in situ keratomileusis flaps, the laser has proven its versatility in laser-assisted anterior and posterior lamellar keratoplasty, cutting of donor buttons in endothelial keratoplasty, customized trephination in penetrating keratoplasty, tunnel creation for intracorneal ring segments, astigmatic keratotomy, and corneal biopsy. Current laboratory studies include all-FS laser refractive keratomileusis sans flap, cutting corneal pockets for insertion of biopolymer keratoprostheses, noninvasive transscleral glaucoma surgery, retinal imaging and photodisruption, presbyopia surgery, and anterior lens capsulorrhexis.


CONCLUSIONS
Advances in ultra-fast laser technology continue to improve the surgical safety, efficiency, speed, and versatility of FS lasers in ophthalmology.
Soong
H Kaz
HK
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, W. K. Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. hksoong@umich.edu
Malta
João Baptista
JB
D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D048988:Corneal Surgery, Laser / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000295:instrumentation; D011446:Prospective Studies